Drought Blamed For Water Discoloration

Colchester News Notes

The prolonged drought may be the cause of discoloration in the town's water supply, and residents are being asked to reduce their consumption of water, Public Works Director Mark Decker said Thursday.

Decker said that the water has been tested and that varying degrees of discoloration have not affected the water's safety. The town's water supply serves only residents within the utilities district.

``It's not a health problem. We are trying to resolve it,'' Decker said. ``To date we have not identified the problem but have taken steps to eliminate some of the potential contributors.''

Decker said the drought has increased the demand for water and pumping requirements.

Although the water supply is not in jeopardy, the increased pumping is stirring up the bottom and may be partially responsible for the discoloration, he said. The town has temporarily cut back on its pumping and will monitor the water color, Decker said.

In the meantime, residents are asked to stop watering their lawns and washing their cars and to limit consumption to ``neccessary activities,'' Decker said.